Life Sciences U.S. Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025

Cost Segmentation Fit out costs are grouped into nine segments: Misc. Architectural Trades; Arch. Millwork; Doors, Frames, Hardware; Drywall, Acoustic, Carpentry; General Finishes; Special Construction (Clean Rooms/Cold Rooms); Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection; Electrical; General Conditions & Fee; and Contingency. An average of 46% of total expenses were attributed to Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection across all markets and asset types. General Conditions & Fee followed at 14%, with Special Construction (Clean Rooms/Cold Rooms) at 11%. Most cost allocations remained stable from last year However, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection saw a notable YOY increase of $23 psf (6.2%).

Across both market and subtype levels, the greatest proportion of cost is generally allocated to Mechanical, Pluming, Fire Protection, with the exception of warehouse costs. 28% of warehouse costs are distributed to Special Construction (Clean Rooms/Cold Rooms), while another 19% is allocated to Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection. Gene/Cell Therapy also sees a significant portion of costs apportioned to Special Construction (Clean Rooms/Cold Rooms) at 22%.

TENANT IMPROVEMENT COSTS BY MARKET (LEFT) AND FACILITY TYPE (RIGHT)

Misc. Architectural Trades Doors, Frames, Hardware

Arch. Millwork

Drywall, Acoustic, Carpentry

General Finishes

Special Construction (Clean Rooms/Cold Rooms)

Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection

Electrical

General Conditions and Fee

Contingency

San Francisco, CA

BSL3

San Francisco, CA

Gene/Cell Therapy

Philadelphia, PA

cGMP Bulk Manufacturing

Vivarium

Boston, MA

Chemistry

Seattle, WA

Analytical (CLIA)

BSL1 & BSL2

San Diego, CA

Office

Raleigh-Durham, NC

Warehouse

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Project & Development Services

14

Cushman & Wakefield